If threatening graffiti was found in your child's high school bathroom, would you have kept your child home?
Yesterday, in a boy's bathroom at Lakeside High School in DeKalb County, someone wrote, "Everyone is going to die on Fri., Jan. 30."
CBS 46 had posted a photo of the graffiti, which included a sketch of a gun firing. (Just checked and the photo of the threat is now down.) Some parents told me they decided to keep their teens home today as a precaution.
That likely delighted their teenagers, but it may spur copycats by students longing for a three-day weekend.
Credit: Maureen Downey
Credit: Maureen Downey
I went to an all-girl Catholic high school. We also had graffiti of this sort now and then. We ignored it.
But can parents or schools afford to ignore it now?
On the other hand, I would imagine Lakeside students are safer today than most days in light of the heightened security and awareness. And school shooters normally don't broadcast their intentions.
Here is the letter sent to Lakeside parents last night.
Jan. 29, 2015
Lakeside HS
Parents and Guardians:
The purpose of this communication is to make you aware of graffiti found in a boys' restroom that made a vague threat against the student body for Friday, January, 30, 2015. While there is no credible evidence to substantiate this threat, the school takes these types of matters seriously. The School Resource Officer has been made aware and been investigating the graffiti, and the district has also assisted the school.
Any individual found guilty of these types of actions will be dealt with appropriately. The safety of our students is paramount. The purpose of this communication is to inform you of this incident so that we can work together to make sure that all of our children are kept safe while they are in school, while they are traveling to and from school, and while they are home.
We also ask that you continue to encourage your children to report any suspicious activity to you and the school, and do not hesitate to contact Lakeside High School if you have any questions. Thank you.
Jason Clyne
Principal
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